Shumba Energy Limited, a company listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange, has officially begun construction on a major solar power plant poised to supply electricity domestically and export energy across Southern Africa.
The Tati Solar project, a 100-megawatt solar photovoltaic facility, is set on roughly 160 hectares near Francistown and aims to enter commercial operation by 2027. According to a recent market update from the Botswana Stock Exchange, Shumba Energy holds a 75 percent stake in Etavi Renewables, the project’s co-sponsor and developer. Construction is underway, with the appointed contractor having received full notice to proceed.
This ambitious project is expected to draw more than P1 billion in investment to Botswana, marking a significant boost to the nation’s economy. “It is one of the largest solar PV projects in Botswana, and electricity generated by the project will be sold into the regional Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) market,” Shumba Energy management said. “The Tati Solar project represents an investment of over P1 billion, underscoring its significance as a financial cornerstone for Botswana’s economy.”
Situated within a Special Economic Zone, the project is strategically positioned to stimulate economic growth in the North-East District and attract further investment to the region. The development will generate new employment opportunities, both seasonal and permanent, while fostering local skills development. “The project is expected to create approximately 600 jobs during the construction phase, in addition to sustaining permanent roles once the plant is operational, with a strong focus on local employment and skills development,” the company noted.
The start of construction marks a major milestone for Shumba and reflects its commitment to delivering clean energy while supporting the Botswana government’s goals of energy security, renewable energy expansion, and increased power exports. Under the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) and the National Development Plan (NDP 12), the country aims to establish itself as a regional energy hub, strengthening its energy sector as a key economic driver with a focus on clean renewable power generation and export.
The government is pushing to ramp up renewable energy capacity. Recent figures from the Ministry of Minerals & Energy show a target for renewables to make up 42 percent of installed capacity in the upcoming financial year. The Integrated Resource Plan revision sets an even more ambitious goal: 50 percent of the energy mix from renewables by 2030, up from the original 30 percent target.
Minister of Minerals & Energy Bogolo Kenewendo highlighted Botswana’s progress in renewable energy development, particularly solar photovoltaic. The minister shared data revealing that 104 megawatts of grid-connected solar PV capacity are already commercially operational, accounting for roughly 21 percent of the country’s effective installed generation. Existing projects include the Bobonong and Shakawe solar plants and the Selibe Phikwe/Mmadinare Phase 1 & 2 facilities. Additional major solar projects are underway, including the 100 MW Jwaneng Solar Power Project, expected to start commercial production by July 2026, alongside the Ghanzi and Lobatse 4 MW solar initiatives.